History of Palace on Wheels

Enjoy the Historical tour by Palace on Wheels, a unique luxury train that chugs from India's capital city of Delhi, moves onto the royal state of Rajasthan and finally halts at the amazing Agra. A tour on Palace on Wheels is a royal way to explore the incredible land of India. The train started to roll on its regular operations from October 1982.Palace on Wheels is Indian version of Orient Express of Europe.

Touring the royal state of Rajasthan on Palace on Wheels would be a memorable experience for the tourists. The concept of this historical train was derived from the royal background of the coaches, which were originally meant to be the personal Railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of the princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the viceroy of British India.

Revival of the Legend

Palace on Wheels was rated as one of the ten best luxurious rail journeys in the world. The royal grandeur of this luxury train could win it with the honour of PATA Gold Award in 1987.The effort behind the establishment of this luxurious train has gained remarkable success and popularity world over.

A tour on Palace on Wheels is a best option to experience true royalty. The luxury train starts its journey from the capital city of Delhi, moves on to Agra and then reaches Rajasthan.The traveling is covered mostly at night, and each morning marks the arrival at a different destination.

In 1991, a new air-conditioned broad-gauge Palace on Wheels on the lines of the old heritage train was launched with 13 salons, 2 restaurants, kitchen car, bar-cum-lounge and 4 service cars. 'Khidmatgars' or personal attendants, in each cabin, cater to all the needs of the guests.

The Legend Continues

Palace on Wheels is a heritage tourist train, which has graced the Rajasthan Tourism and Indian Railways since January 1982.The luxury train comprises of 14 fully air-conditioned deluxe salons, equipped with world-class amenities to enhance the pleasure of traveling.

These 14 coaches provide all kinds of comforts with the space to accommodate 104 passenger berths in double bedded cabins, each with channel music, intercom, attached toilet, running hot and cold water and a shower.

The coaches of the Palace on wheels are named after former Rajput states, matching the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. Each salon has a mini pantry and a lounge to ensure availability of hot and cold beverages, and refreshments and a place to relax and get together.

The train offers many dining options with its two lavish restaurants "The Maharaja" and "The Maharani" with a Rajasthani ambience serving palate tickling Continental, Chinese, Indian and Rajasthani cuisines. The train also boasts of a well stocked bar offering the choicest of spirits of Indian and international brands. Each coach also offers a good collection of books to choose from.

The Palace on Wheels is regularly refurbished to a great extent. The décor in the salons and bar lounge has been changed, keeping in mind the traditionally aesthetic yet modern, Palace on Wheels. Toilets have been redone and maintained sparkling clean. Each salon lounge has been equipped with a color television and a CD player